
Banking and the financial industry are complex. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we’re here to help bridge gaps and drive conversations that showcase how banking connects all of us. On this podcast, you’ll meet FHLBank Chicago employees and other financial and housing industry thought leaders, discover products and programs that help create thriving communities, gain the latest market insights, and feel more connected to a vital part of the U.S. financial system.
Episodes

Wednesday May 21, 2025
Skill Development - A Continuous Journey and Investment
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Every organization is experiencing how quickly technology, customer preferences, and the economic landscape is changing and advancing how we work. That’s no different in the banking and finance sectors. While many teams want to find new and more efficient ways to complete work and grow the careers of its employees – how do you find time for that skill development? How does an organization embrace change and adapt strategically to drive that value to its employees and customers?
On this episode, guest Chelsi Gallegos, Assistant Director, Organizational Development at FHLBank Chicago, shares insight into how organizations can start a skill development journey for its employees, what that investment looks like, and how FHLBank Chicago’s multi-year skill development journey is helping us grow and evolve how we serve our member financial institutions.

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Opening Doors: How Downpayment Plus® Programs Support Homebuyers
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
As homebuyers navigate a challenging housing market, one common financial hurdle they face is having enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. On this episode, we explore how our Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Programs expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois and Wisconsin and how FHLBank Chicago members can participate. Representatives from our Community Investment team—Angie Ashlaw, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist, and Jamie Lutton, Manager, Community Outreach—discuss an overview of the program, its positive impact on individuals and communities, and steps for financial institutions to leverage DPP funding effectively.

Friday Mar 21, 2025
A Certainly Uncertain Economic Outlook
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, is back to share his insights into the layers of uncertainty in the United States economy and markets. We break down the potential impacts of tariffs, job market news, consumer spending trends, and direction of interest rates. What does all this mean for consumers? What should FHLBank Chicago members and the financial sector pay attention to? Tune in as we navigate all the economic twists and turns.

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Where Is the Economy Headed in 2025?
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, joins the show to share what he’s seeing in the market and economy in the early part of 2025 and what lies ahead in the coming months. Is there an expected path forward for interest rate cuts? Is the worst of inflation behind us? Will the housing market improve? Hear all this and more on our new episode!

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Why Organizational Culture Matters
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Cedric Thurman, Executive Vice President, Group Head, Community Investment at FHLBank Chicago, sits down with two of his colleagues—Toi Fields, Sr. Managing Director, Head of IT Business Management, and Sam Reindl, Director, Bank Operations—to talk about the importance of organizational culture and leveraging employee engagement. How do you build stronger connections on your team with different working styles? What can you do to prepare your team for change? Why is transparency so important to success? Hear their insights on our new episode!

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Empowering Small Businesses Through Community First® Accelerate Grants
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
We’re celebrating Small Business Saturday! In this episode, we highlight our 2024 Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program with Clara Biolo-Thompson, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist at FHLBank Chicago, and Jen Schaefer, Community Investment Operations Specialist at FHLBank Chicago. They share how the program and partnerships helped small businesses across Illinois and Wisconsin. We'll also hear from small business grantees and their FHLBank Chicago member partners on how the funds empowered their businesses and strengthened their communities.

Monday Nov 18, 2024
Post-Election Analysis and Impact on the Banking Sector With Randy Hultgren
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Randy Hultgren, President and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association, joins Dave Feldhaus, SVP, Director of External Affairs at FHLBank Chicago, to share his insights into how the results of the U.S. elections are unfolding and what that could mean for the banking and financial sectors. Don’t miss their analysis of the fast-moving news cycle!

Monday Oct 28, 2024
Demystifying the Council of FHLBanks With CEO Ryan Donovan
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Ryan Donovan, President and CEO of the Council of FHLBanks, joins Dave Feldhaus, Director of External Affairs at FHLBank Chicago, to talk about the role of the Council, the importance of its advocacy work, and potential impacts of the upcoming election on the FHLBank system.